Four pupils attending Helen O’Grady Academy were chosen to represent the concerns of 600 million children of Commonwealth countries at the CHOGM Children’s Forum on issues such as the environment, diversity and inclusion and bullying.

The pupils addressed the delegates dressed as superheroes. Green Child said: “Many of you used to play in green open spaces when you were children. Many of us are not so lucky”. He added that many adults take decisions that harm the environment without considering the consequences for future generations.

Rainbow Child, who spoke on diversity and inclusion, said: “No child should ever be excluded because of social class, ability, race, gender, sexuality, ethnic origin, religion or culture”.

Red superhero spoke on bullying, saying the subject was often ignored in the hope that it would go away. “Involve children in your discussions,” he advised, “together we will find real solutions to this serious and debilitating problem”.

Underlining the need for dialogue, CHOGM Child said: “Listening to children is very important. Every one of us, whatever our age or ability, is capable of expressing ideas, dreams, needs and worries.

The forum was attended by various Commonwealth dignitaries including Prime Minister Joseph Muscat and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who both praised the children for their messages and clear, confident delivery.

Trudeau told academy principal Alan Montanaro he would be looking up the academy branch in Canada when he returned home.

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